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Reliability Master Data Engineer Nate Orwig believes teamwork and a strong sense of community are vital in his role at Pantex.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Nate Orwig work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

What defines a community? Is it just people living in proximity? Isn’t a vital part of community the shared interests that unite people? However one defines it, community is an important part of both personal and professional life for Reliability Master Data Engineer Nate Orwig.

“I volunteer with the Texas Ramp Project, where we build wheelchair ramps for low-income older adults and people with disabilities,” he said, also noting additional volunteer efforts with the High Plains Food Bank and Salvation Army. According to Orwig, making a positive difference in the lives of others pays dividends that continue compounding far beyond a single individual’s efforts.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” Orwig said. “If everyone can work together, we are improving Amarillo and the surrounding area as a whole. Also, I know when one day I need help other people will go out of their way to help me.”

Orwig enjoys making a difference, which perfectly aligns with his role at Pantex, where he makes a difference in many ways — including predicting the future.

“I started in Project Controls, assisting small-construction project managers with scheduling and cost,” he said. “I currently work in Reliability Engineering, where we use tools to predict future faults in equipment. Essentially, we want to schedule downtime to replace parts before the downtime schedules itself.”

Such a monumental task takes more than talent and intellect. It takes teamwork — community.

“Teamwork is very important in our role,” Orwig said. “When we troubleshoot a piece of equipment, we are looking at it from more than three different perspectives. We use vibration, thermography, and motion amplification (to name a few) to help diagnose equipment. Having a team that includes a subject-matter expert for each area is what helps us narrow down the root cause together.”

Orwig’s supervisor, Reliability Engineering Director Ryan George, said Orwig’s perspective gives his team exactly what it needs.

“Nate consistently seeks out new challenges and approaches them with clear goals, strong work ethic, and sharp insight,” George said. “His ability to collaborate across teams and deliver results makes him an invaluable asset to Reliability Engineering.”

What is your top bucket-list item, and why?
“At the top of my bucket list is to road trip around the U.S. I have done many cross-country drives to the East Coast to see family, and I want to drive the rest of the U.S. and camp to see the natural beauty we have here stateside.”

What is your favorite hobby, and why?
“My favorite activity outside of work is wrenching on small-engine projects that I buy or get from other people. Often, I get four-wheelers, motorcycles, and lawn mowers from coworkers that they ask me to get running again for them.”

What do you enjoy most about working at Pantex?
“One of my favorite things about working at Pantex is the camaraderie that comes with being here. We are a team, and together we are stronger than our individual parts.”

What is one thing your coworkers would be surprised to learn about you?
"I did sports announcing for WTAMU. While I was there, I announced every baseball and soccer game for two seasons while also filling in for basketball and softball games.”

Pantex Communications Intern Michael Odie discusses his project at the 2026 Intern Expo.

Each summer, Pantex opens its doors to a new group of interns who arrive ready to learn, contribute, and explore careers in our uniquely mission‑driven environment. This year’s cohort included 32 students representing 14 colleges, all taking part in a 12‑week program designed to immerse them in meaningful, hands‑on work.

“I really enjoy getting to work with interns every year,” Internship Coordinator Sabrina Perez said. “Everybody’s a little bit different and they’re trying to decide which path they want to pursue. The experience out here at Pantex allows them to see what work would be like.”

Pantex interns join a team, tackle real projects, and see how classroom concepts translate into outcomes that matter. Along the way, they gain mentors, discover new career paths, and build confidence in the skills they’re developing.

“The intern program we have here at Pantex is so rich that it allows a student to see what really, truly is available,” Perez said.

Intern Nevin Kalloor from Texas A&M University said he enjoyed the challenge that was presented to him in Engineering Technical Operations, and he offered future interns some helpful advice.

“You're going to have to learn everything that comes your way, and look at where we are at now — we're doing so much innovation,” Kalloor said. “You're going to have to have that learning mindset. You can't be satisfied with what you already know.”

Interns collaborate with mentors, participate in focused training sessions, and gain direct insight into the wide range of career paths available across the plant. Many interns describe the experience as both motivating and eye‑opening, offering a clearer understanding of how their academic studies connect to real‑world work.

Environmental Projects Intern Briana Iozzo from Texas Tech University said she went from asking a lot of questions to being able to answer them within a short amount of time.

“Having this opportunity here at Pantex, it's made me a lot more confident in the skills I had developed in college,” Iozzo said.

The experience was also defined by the connections they made with their mentors, co-workers, and fellow interns.

“What I like about my internship is the people,” said Supply Chain Intern Lauren Zuniga from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). “Everyone was so welcoming and I never felt like I was invading anyone's space.”

Jesus Marquez, also from WTAMU, interned with Projects Engineering and valued the experience of his mentors.

“I like to consider my department one of the best departments,” Marquez said. “I feel like they're really willing to help you with whatever questions you have. They're willing to show you how they've learned in the past and offer good resources.”

At the close of their internships, many interns accepted full-time offers to join the mission at Pantex. This year 44% of interns were offered the coveted title of Pantexan.

See more of our interns’ perspectives in a short video filmed and edited by Communications Intern Michael Odie from Mississippi State University.

2026 Summer Interns

One movie trope suggests that if you want computer access, type away on the keyboard like a confused-yet-determined raccoon. You’ll eventually gain access or accidentally activate self-destruct. But we know that’s not how things work on this side of the silver screen. At Pantex, the reality is frantic raccooning will only leave you locked out, and the only save solution is a dedicated IT account management team of four.

Introducing IT account managers Roberta Brown, Burkleigh Hund, Juareen Green, and Tuck Traynor. And as you might expect, their list of responsibilities is as long as some password requirements.

“We manage user accounts and permissions within the IT organization,” Brown said. “We troubleshoot account issues and create, disable, and enable accounts that have been inactive. We also add and remove users to active directory groups, create and manage the enterprise secure network and classified accounts, process terminations for employees and subcontractors, issue RSA tokens and provision pagers, and more.”

Speaking of passwords, they can assist with those, too, including kindly reminding you for the fifth time why 123456 is an unsafe, unsecure, and overall terrible password choice. However, that interaction with people — whatever the task may be — is more than just part of the job.

“I really enjoy seeing and meeting all kinds of people while working on their accounts,” Hund said. “There is such a diverse group of people out here and doing what I do allows me to chat and learn about each person and their unique history!”

The account managers provide vital services and exceptional customer service. Their team is a success because they are dedicated to the mission and support Pantexans. Their efforts reflect the larger IT department team, and Hund often quotes the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“IT is similar in that regard,” she said. “Each specific position, whether it is Linux, Desktop, Accounts Management, Cyber, Field Support, etc., has a role to play that no one else can do. It takes highly intelligent and diligent people and their expertise to make sure that Pantex thrives and grows.”

Fantastic, fabulous, or totally radical – however you wish to describe this fervent foursome remains up to you, but they are here to help and continue to find gratification in doing so.

“The job is genuinely rewarding and there's never a dull moment!” Greene said. “We are constantly learning and adapting to new needs, ensuring that our approach stays flexible and effective. If you ever need help with obtaining access or have questions about the process, please reach out. We're always happy to help and keep things moving forward.”

So next time you’re locked out of your account, require access to an active directory group, or need an RSA token, don’t smash away on your laptop or eat your frustration by sneaking breakroom donuts for the sixth time. Pick up the phone and call the Service Desk or submit a ticket though ServiceNow for help. You’ve got friends on the other side!

Photo by Adam Baker

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Alex Gonzalez work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

Before earning his place at Pantex, End-User Support Technician Alex Gonzalez worked a variety of jobs, collecting name tags, logoed shirts, and paychecks across different industries. Whether he was waiting tables or working logistics, one underlying interest remained.

“Tech has always appealed to me,” Gonzalez said. “I decided to finally turn my hobby into a career. I went to college, earned my associate degree, and then started working closer with networks and computers.”

Gonzalez knew of Pantex, yet a job at the facility felt unattainable. But after reaching the end of advancement opportunities at his previous job, he took a shot and applied. It just so happened that IT at Pantex was looking for someone with his skillset. Two years later, he’s still proud to be here.

“I’m proud to be a Pantexan because of the history and legacy that comes with the name,” Gonzalez said. “My father-in-law worked at Pantex for 44 years and, while we only had a bit of overlap when I started, it was important to him to show me where he worked and what he did. And him doing that was important to me in a passing-of-the-torch sense.”

As an end-user support technician, Gonzalez assists many divisions at Pantex. Being one of the faces of IT, he’s able to take advantage of what he truly enjoys most about working out here.

“The people,” Gonzalez said. “When I help a customer, there are moments where we’re waiting for software to install or an update to finish. During those times, I’ll usually ask about their backgrounds and experiences.”

Customer-centric at heart and in practice, Gonzalez is ready to help his fellow Pantexans, even if the issue turns out to be unrelated to IT.

“Reaching out for help can sometimes feel intimidating or like you may be burdening someone,” Gonzalez said. “But you don’t know what you don’t know, and that’s OK. I’m happy to talk, so ask me anything and we can guide you through your question. If I’m not the one to fix an issue, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.”

Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Be open to listening and exploring those unique perspectives. Doing so may help you better navigate different challenges.

Why is communication important for your team to succeed?
Communication is important for my team because of how spread out we are. The Information Technology Service Management organization covers the PAC, JCDC, and the plant. Establishing open lines of communication is how we better understand what’s happening in each area and the trends we are noticing, and we share that knowledge to help each other.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I enjoy spending my time with my wife and pets. I also enjoy movies, video games, and TV. Shows like “The Office” or “The Big Bang Theory” are always playing in the background. On top of being entertainment, it’s a storytelling medium I enjoy.

Attendees of the workshop gathered together. Photo provided by Y-12.

More than 175 innovators, researchers, and specialists gathered to brainstorm how the sites in the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) can move faster and stronger, together. The inaugural Production Accelerated by Collaboration Workshop, held in June at Y-12 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, aimed to break down walls between sites, move away from isolated thinking, and leverage academic research partnerships.

For Pantex, that meant collaborating not only with NSE counterparts, but also with academic partners Amarillo College, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, and West Texas A&M University, all of which traveled to Y-12. Additional academic partners that work with NSE sites were also in attendance.

"Our sites have become stove piped,” said Carl Beard, director of the Production Operations division at Pantex. “We need to think and work as an enterprise."
The sites are securing dedicated funding for joint projects and building a shared database to ensure ideas are exchanged intentionally—helping prevent accidental duplication or reinventing the wheel.

By partnering with four regional academic institutions, Pantex is opening the door to a substantial talent pipeline. From Tier-1 university research to customized technical training programs, these schools bring brainpower to the table.

Evelyn Mullen, associate vice chancellor for Nuclear Security Initiatives with the Texas A&M University System Nuclear Security Office, emphasized the value of bringing university faculty and students directly into the fold.

"It’s important to talk to your university partners about your long-term goals," Mullen said.

Ultimately, the workshop's greatest value was providing participants with a direct line of communication, allowing them to bypass traditional hurdles and collaborate in real time.

Jared Brown, director of Facility Infrastructure and Operations at Pantex said, "It comes down to communications. We need to know about our partners in industry and where they have been successful.”

Far from just a discussion forum, PAC Workshop delivered immediate, concrete commitments to accelerate technological integration across the enterprise:

• Targeted Funding: Pantex, Y-12, and Kansas City Nuclear Security Campus established dedicated funding to seed and support collaborative initiatives.
• Capability Mapping: To streamline partnerships and prevent double-work, sites are launching an anti-redundancy database of collective capabilities.
• Active Coalitions: The workshop successfully launched more than 15 active partnerships spanning 10 key technical areas.

Pantex and Texas A&M University will be hosting the next workshop in summer 2027.

Jennifer and Ronnie Thomas followed in their son Cameron’s footsteps out to Pantex. Photo by Adam Baker.

When you search the name “Thomas” in the Pantex Directory, you get 319 results. While the name is common as a first and last name, the steadfast work ethic shown by Ronnie, Jennifer, and Cameron Thomas is uniquely theirs.

“Working here together has shown me the kind of dedication and character they’ve always carried and I’m proud to be part of that legacy,” Cameron said. “Not everyone gets the chance to see firsthand the example their parents set every day. The best part is hearing stories from people who have worked with them. It reminds me that the impact they’ve made reaches farther than just our family.”

The Thomases are also unique in the journey of how they all ended up at Pantex. You’ll hear countless stories of children following in their parents’ footsteps, but for the Thomas family, their son led the way. Cameron started at Pantex in 2021, then Ronnie came in 2022, and like clockwork, Jennifer made her way to the site in 2023. Cameron is a construction contract administrator, Ronnie is a construction project manager, and Jennifer is the administrative senior support for the Mission Assurance Officer and Business Services Division Director Colby Yeary. Their diverse talents ensure that no matter what organization you work in, there’s a good chance you might run into a Thomas shining somewhere.

“They are both great leaders,” Ronnie said. They’re always willing to help and just have tremendous work ethic. I get compliments anytime the connection is made.”

Outside of work, Cameron and Ronnie drive dirt-track racecars and Jennifer is there cheering them on. The family spends a lot of time prepping the cars and traveling on race weekends. The teamwork dynamic doesn’t stop there. When life at work goes from 0 to 60, Cameron knows he can always make a pit stop with his parents to refuel.

“Even though, out of my family, I’ve spent the most time at the plant, I do find myself still going to my parents for advice,” Cameron said, “whether it be a simple task with Microsoft Office or asking for professional advice.”

Jennifer says she’s happy to offer support and guidance, bounce ideas around, and provide suggestions leveraging their diverse expertise in their respective fields.

“We’ve even scheduled an Outlook 101 family meeting on Teams to share quick tips,” Jennifer said. “And I’ve often leaned on Cameron for his insights on procurement-related questions. It’s great to see their faces in the hallways or on Teams calls. There’s a unique sense of connection in being able to relate to each other’s day-to-day routines and experiences.”

The Thomases say working at Pantex has brought them closer together. They can understand each other’s schedules and responsibilities in a way that wasn’t possible before.

“I frequently hear about infrastructure progress, and I'm particularly grateful that Ronnie is involved in completing projects that directly benefit employees and contribute to the lasting transformation of our site's landscape,” Jennifer said. “Cameron began his career as a production technician on the W88, and we recently celebrated the final production unit at the site. He previously served as a buyer and successfully procured the ESD flooring project supplies ahead of schedule and under budget. Cameron is a natural leader and an exceptionally hard worker. While he is quiet just like his dad, his mind is seeking ways to enhance processes more efficiently.”

The Thomases may be three of 319 at Pantex, but their bond is one in a million.

“It’s special knowing we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves while also getting to share it as a family,” Cameron said. “Not many people get the chance to say they’ve worked alongside the people they love in a place with such an important mission. It’s created a bond and level of pride that’s hard to put into words.”

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Misty Churchwell work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.

It’s been said that the only consistent thing in life is change. But for Misty Churchwell, the stability at Pantex has been a constant through her adult life.

“All my major milestones have taken place while working here; marriage, kids, career, etc.,” Churchwell said. “The people I have met and the relationships I have established have had a lot to do with shaping me into the person I am now. I’ve grown so much during my tenure here.”

Churchwell has worked at Pantex for 15 years, starting as a quality assurance technician before becoming a process engineering technical specialist and ultimately an environmental scientist.

In her current role, she develops National Environmental Policy Act reviews for site projects by coordinating with people throughout the plant to identify environmental controls.

“Not only does teamwork allow you to rely on others to ensure you put forth quality work, it also allows you to develop relationships,” she said. “By developing those relationships, you become accountable to yourself and those around you. Plus, the people are always who you show up for.”

Churchwell believes pride in the workplace, continuous improvement, and a growth mindset contribute to mission success.

“There is always more to learn and by being open to that, you have the chance to improve things both for yourself and others,” she said. “If you don’t make efforts to learn, you grow stagnant. There is so much opportunity to grow and each person can choose the path that is right for them. But even while choosing different paths, we still get to stay connected.”

A budding career, flowering relationships, and a blooming future are not the only things Churchwell cultivates.

“I love to garden,” Churchwell said. “I find it very relaxing and rewarding, and I’m pretty good at it.”

Why is it important we keep a questioning attitude?
Technology changes, goals change, people bring different experiences and knowledge that may not have been available when the status quo was developed. Good enough can always be better. By questioning things, you learn and improve.

What advice would you give to a new employee?
Just slow down; Pantex is different. It’s intimidating to get started out here and in each new position/organization you choose to be a part of. Your previous experience really is relevant, you just have to get used to all the unique processes out here. It’ll come with time. And, also, go on plant site when you can if that is not part of your normal job. That’s where the magic happens. Make a point to learn why you are here.

What is one thing your coworkers would be surprised to know about you?
When I was 19, I went swimming in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle while on a summer school at sea trip. It was fun and exciting then, but I look back now and think... if that was my kid! Oh my gosh!

Pantexans Alex Rodriquez and Jaron Harrison received special citations from the Amarillo Police department for their actions in assisting a police officer during an arrest.

We often think of crimefighters as wearing capes or possessing superpowers, but heroism usually doesn't wait for a uniform. For Pantexans Alex Rodriquez who works as a mechanic, and Jarod Harrison from emergency management, hero status came in the form of split-second decisions on an ordinary afternoon commute — one that would see them charging headfirst where angels fear to tread, defending a lone police officer from an aggressive suspect.

Last year, Alex and Jarod were heading home from work in their respective vehicles. Alex recalled that traffic was heavy that day on Interstate 40, leading him to take a different route home, bypassing his usual turnoff.

As he exited at Ross Street and pulled up to a red light, something immediately caught his attention. He noticed a man walking down the middle of the street. An Amarillo police officer pulled up beside the man, and when the light turned green, Alex had a sudden realization.

“I thought to myself there was a reason why I was brought this way. So, I pulled into the turning lane to try to shield the officer (from traffic) and turned on my hazard lights,” he recalled.

As he parked his car, Rodriquez saw the officer deploy his taser, which dropped the man to the ground — but only for a few, brief seconds. The suspect got back up and lunged toward the officer, who had taken a defensive posture with his baton. Sensing the impending danger, Alex stepped in.

“It goes with what I preach to my sons,” Rodriquez said. “Help others when you can, no matter their shape, size, or color.”

At that moment, out of the corner of his eye, Rodriquez caught a glimpse of his co-worker Jarod Harrison sprinting across traffic and taking down the suspect with a flying tackle.

“I ran over to assist them with getting him detained. It seemed like forever for the officer’s backup to arrive, but it was probably only a minute or two,” Rodriquez said.

Afterward, both Pantexans filled out paperwork detailing their actions, were graciously thanked by law enforcement, and went on with their respective lives.

A few months later, Alex received a voicemail from an unrecognized number. After listening to the message, he anxiously told his wife the news: he and Jarod were being recognized for their efforts at a special Amarillo Police Department ceremony.

“I didn’t want to go because I’m not the kind of person who needs recognition for helping others, but my wife was quick to let me know that I was going — it wasn’t an option,” Rodriquez joked.

Rodriquez’s nerves mounted as they arrived at the ceremony and only increased when their names were called and their story was shared with the crowd. The pair walked up on stage, shook the police chief’s hand, and received a resounding standing ovation.

“I’m a mechanic, and we don’t get many awards, much less an entire room of people standing up and clapping for you. It was very nerve-wracking, yet incredibly rewarding as well,” he noted.

When reflecting on that fateful afternoon, Rodriquez keeps his perspective humble.

“I tell people I was just in the right place at the right time. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I’m just the type of person to help anyone in need,” he said.

It sounds exactly like something a true hero — and a proud Pantexan — would say.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Darryl J. Hunt work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.

For nearly a quarter-century, Protective Force Major Darryl J. Hunt has been a steadfast guardian at the Pantex Plant, dedicating more than 23 years to safeguarding our nation's nuclear assets. As acting deputy chief, Hunt’s commitment extends far beyond a job description; it’s a deeply ingrained sense of duty and pride.

Hunt’s daily responsibilities are diverse, ranging from Protective Force coordination and recruitment to leading critical security escorts. Yet, for him, joy lies in human connection. When asked what he enjoys most about working at Pantex, his response came quickly.

“Recruiting candidates to become security police officers,” he said. “Also, helping others. These are my favorite parts of the job.”

And what makes him a proud Pantexan?

"Being able to say that I am one of the people that protect the nation’s nuclear assets makes me very proud," Hunt said.

This profound sense of purpose was perhaps most keenly felt during one of his proudest moments at Pantex, when he conducted a security escort for the vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – a testament to the high stakes and critical importance of his role.

Pantex itself holds a special place for Hunt, but it’s the people who truly make the difference.

"I work with an amazing group of men and women from the bottom to the very top," Hunt said, highlighting the camaraderie and shared commitment that define his team.

For Hunt, professional growth is continuous. Teamwork, accountability, and communication are not just buzzwords but foundational pillars for achieving goals, setting new standards, ensuring progress, and building trust through active listening.

Why is Pantex’s mission important to you?
As long as we have men and women in uniform defending our country, Pantex has an obligation to provide the weapons necessary to defend privileges and freedoms Americans sometimes take for granted.

Why is it important we keep a questioning attitude?
Being able to know and understand the “why” and avoid complacency is important — challenge assumptions.

What advice would you give to a new employee?
Understand Pantex is a small family and no one wants you to fail, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and do the best you can. Show up tomorrow and be better than the day before.

Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My mother … raised three boys by herself and kept us in line. She taught love, respect, and discipline. She was a leader, hard worker and allowed us to learn from our mistakes. My brothers and I are family men with great careers. There are not enough words to express the gratitude, influence, and direction she provided to my life.

Masters of organization, professional problem solvers, chaos coordinators – all unofficial names for those who provide behind-the-scenes assistance across all divisions of Pantex. We know them officially as administrative professionals, and in the realm of IT, we know them as Kristy Horn and Tracy Morris, the dynamic duo who support IT so IT can support us.

Horn discovered her passion for administrative support at Utility Engineering of Amarillo and eventually sharpened those skills at BSA Health System and Amazon.

Morris went to college to become a funeral director and quickly learned the industry’s emotional demands. However, with her servant’s heart and organizational skills honed in the funeral business, she transitioned into administration and eventually served as senior admin to AIG’s president in Amarillo.

Accustomed to the corporate environment, their move to Pantex proved fairly easy. The jump into IT, however, was a different story.

“I hadn’t worked in IT so it was a little overwhelming,” Morris said. “Initially, the specialized terminology was challenging but with experience my comprehension significantly improved. It has been a valuable learning experience to understand the diverse IT applications and systems critical to plant operations.”

Despite a steep learning curve riddled with technical language, acronyms, and programs and processes, Horn and Morris gracefully stepped into unfamiliar territory. Driven by a deep need to serve others, they continue to grow personally and professionally while getting the job done.

“Our roles demand exceptional adaptability to address a diverse range of tasks,” Horn said. “These responsibilities can shift from routine support functions, like managing supplies, to critical problem-solving, such as streamlining processes for colleagues. While core daily duties exist, the overarching workflow is dynamic, requiring a proactive approach and a commitment to finding solutions.”

Horn and Morris each have their own specialties. For example, Horn assists with visitor access and Morris with department travel. While each supports specific IT organizations, they also cover each other when needed. Despite who or what needs assistance, simply helping others is the joy of the job.

“I thrive on being a go-to resource for diverse needs,” Horn said, “from locating essential office supplies like a pen or a box of tissues to preparing and presenting a crucial PowerPoint with just a 15-minute lead time before a meeting.”

The IT admins also support staff in a different way, focusing on bolstering comradery through personability to create a more relaxed environment.

“When I first came to Pantex and we had our morning meetings, no one said ‘good morning,’” Morris said. “I made a point to say it every single day. Eventually, they started returning it. I truly value being able to help colleagues in any capacity, even if it’s just lifting spirits with a smile and warm greeting.”

Since joining IT, Horn and Morris’ powerful influence remains undeniable across all teams and staff. Their commitment to teamwork and encouragement exemplifies leadership from within, which doesn’t go unnoticed.

“In an IT organization as complex and fast moving as ours, Tracy and Kristy aren’t just support staff — they are the backbone of our operational discipline,” Chief Information Officer and Director of IT Seth Ritter said. “Their coordination, foresight, and guidance keep our teams aligned, our priorities clear, and our mission advancing. We simply couldn’t deliver at the level we do without them.”